Feed-trough.



J. MATTHEWS.

FEED TROUGH.

APPLICATION FILED 1111111.20. 1912,

1,126,815. Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

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J. MATTHEWS.

FEED TROUGH.

APPLICATION IILED MAR. 20. 1912.

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J. MATTHEWS,

FEED TROUGH.

APPLICATION FILED MAILzo, 1912.

Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

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THE NORRIS PETERS COI, PHOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON. D. C.

JAMES MATTHEWS, OF LEEDS, IOWA.

FEEB-TROUGH.

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Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 2, 1915.

Application filed March 20, 1912. Serial No. 685,008.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JAMES MATTHEWS, citizen of the United States, residing at Leeds, in the county of Woodbury and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful improvements in r`eed-'1`roughs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in feed troughs, and has for one of its objects to provide an improved construction which is capable of being overturned to clear the trough of accumulated material and so constructed as to prevent the animals from fouling the trough while feeding.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which may be constructed of any required size to adapt it to different species of animals and which may be arranged opposite an opening in a fence so that the trough can be cared for without entering the closure in which it is located.

Another object of the invention is to provide a feed trough which may be overturned to clear the same of accumulated matter and likewise provided with means for locking the trough in open position to prevent the premature overturning by animals.

lVith these and other objects in View, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction as hereafter shown and described, and theny specilicaliv 1aointed out in the claims, and in the drawings illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention: Figure 1 is a side elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 3 is an end elevation. Fig. e is a transverse section on the line A- of Fig. 1.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and indicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

The improved device comprises a base member preferably formed of a plurality of planks 10 suitably connected, as for instance by transverse cleats 11 or other fastening devices. The base may be of any required width or length to correspond to the capacity of the trough, but for the purpose of illustration a trough having three feeding spaces is shown, but it will be understood that a trough having any required number of the feeding spaces may be employed.

Connected upon the base 10 near the ends, are vertical supporting frames 12-13, the

frame 12 having a lateral flange 14 at the lower edge to bear upon the base, and to receive suitable holding bolts or other suitable fastening devices 15, while the frame 13 is provided with a lateral flange 16 and bearing upon the base and secured in position by bolts 17 or other suitable fastening devices. The flanges of the end frames are preferably directed inwardly or toward each other, as shown.

The frame 12 is provided with an outwardly directed boss 18 having a shaft bearing extending therethrough, while the frame 13 is provided with a similar outwardly directed boss 19 likewise having a shaft bearing extending therethrough, the bearings of the bosses being spaced the same distance from the flanges. The frame l2 is provided with a segmental slot 20, while the frame 13 is provided with a similar segmental slot 21, the slots being formed concentric with the center of the bearings of the bosses 18-19. Connected to the outer face of the frame 12, is a segmental gear rack 22, while a similar gear rack 23 is connected to the outer face of the end frame 13, the gear racks extending concentric to the segmental slots, as shown.

rithe feed trough portion of the device is preferably formed from a single strip 24 of sheet metal, preferably galvanized and in trough-shape and turned at the edges at 25-26 around supporting members, preferably sections of gas piping 27-28, the supporting members 28 extending at its ends through the bearings of the bosses 18-19 and the ends of the other supporting member 27 extending through the segmental slots 20 and 21. The supporting member 27 is provided externally of the frames 12-13 with gear pinions 29-30 which engage constantly with the gear segments Rigidly connected to the supporting member 2S, is a relatively heavy operating lever 81 having a handle 32, and connecting the lever 31 with the supporting member 27, is a link 33. itigidly connected to the supporting member 28 at one end is another arm or link 34, while a similar arm or link 35 is rigidly connected to the opposite end of the supporting member 28 and engages the opposite end of the supporting member 27. The link member is provided with lateral offsets 36-3'7 which bear against the outer face of the frame 13 and thus maintain the member 35 spaced away from theframe. By this arrangement it will be obvious that when the operating lever 31 is actuated the trough will be oscillated with the supporting member 23 as a center and thus overturned, as hereinafter lnore fully explained.

The rolled-over portions 25-26y of the trough 24 are provided with longitudinal slfts near the ends and at suitable intermediate points to receive the terminals of combined braces and dividing members 33, the terminals of the dividing members being bent to conform to portions of the supporting members 27-23, and secured in place by clamp screws 39-40 which extend into the supporting members and thus not only support the braces, but likewise rigidly connect the trough to the supporting member so that when the supporting member 23 is oscillated the trough will be carried therewith and overturned. The brace members 38 are further supported by a longitudinally extending strip 41, the brace membersV 33 and the connecting strip 41 thus dividing the trough into a plurality of feed spaces to prevent the animals interfering with each other while feeding and to retain each animal in its place relative to the trough. When the lever 31 is actuated, the pinicns rotate in the segments 23-23, and thus cause both ends of the trough to move in unison and etfectually prevent any torsional displacement which would otherwise occur when long spouts are rotated from one end only. By employing the pinions and racks, both ends of the trough are caused to move together, no matter how long it may be.

Detachably supported upon the link mem ber 3`4 isa feed chute bracket represented as a whole at 42, and provided with a chutesupporting arm 43. The frame member 12 is provided with a relatively large aperture through which the smaller end of a chute 45 is inserted, the chute being supported upon the bracket 42 and between the arms 43 as shown. By this means the feed can be supplied to the trough at one end and without the necessity for the attendant entering the inclcsure in which the trough is located, as hereinafter more fully explained. Vhen not required, the bracket 42 and feed trough 45 are detached, and connected in position only when the trough is to be supplied with feed.

Located upon the base 10, between the frames 12-13, is a reinforcing member which stiffens and strengthens the base and prevents the same from sagging when lo cated where it is not convenient to support the base upon the ground or other support. The brace member 46 likewise prevents undue downward strain upon the floor or similar support upon which the trough .apparatus is located. The brace member 46 may be secured in position in any suitable manner, but preferably by straps 47. 4The frame memberY 12 is provided with another and smaller boss 48 having a shaft bearing extending therethrough, while the frame member 13 is provided with a similar boss 49 having a shaft bearing therein, the two bosses 48-49 forming supports for a longitudinally extending shaft 50, having cranks Y 51-52 at its ends and likewise extended into a lever 53 in advance of the crank 51, the object to be hereafter explained. The frame 12 is located some distance from the end of the base 10, and connected to the base and surrounding the same in advance of the frame 12, is a guard plate comprising a cen'- tral body portion 54 and lateral extensions 55-56, the extensions being provided with outwardly directed flanges 57-58. rThe central portion 54 and the terminals 55-56 bear against the end and extend along the sides of the base 10, while the flanges 57-58, are bolted or otherwise secured to the outer face of the frame 12. The frame 13 is located at some distance from the opposite end of the base 10, and surrounding the terminal of the base in advance of the frame 13, is a guard plate comprising a body portion 59 and inwardly directed ends 60-61 and outwardly directed flanges 622-63.V

The plate 59 and its ends 60-61 extend over the end and along the sides of the base, 10, while the flanges 62-63 are connected by bolts or other suitable fastening devices to the outer face of the frame 13. The plates 54 `and 59 together with their inwardly directed terminals, are bolted or otherwise secured to the base, as shown. Extending between the body portion 54, and the frame 12, is a supporting bracket 64 to which a lock arm or bar 65 is pivotally united at 66. At its lower end the bar 65 is coupled by a link 67 to the crank 51. At its upper end the arm 64 is provided with an open hook 68 which bears over the outer ex'- tended end of the supporting member 27 when the lever 53 is actuated in one direction. Extending between the plate `59 and the outer face of the frame 13, is a supporting bracket 69 similar to the bracket 64, and pivote'd at 70 within the bracket is an arm or bar 71. At its lower end the bar 71l is coupled by a link 72 to the crank 52 of the shaft 50. At its upper end the bar 71 is provided with an open hook 73 adapted to bear over the opposite end of the' supporting member 27. By this simple arangement it will be obvious that by moving the lever 53 in one direction the upper portions of the bars 65-71 will be moved inwardly to cause the hooks 63-73 to engage over the supporting member 27 and thus lock the trough in its open or operative position and prevent it from being overturned by animals when feeding. This is an important feature of the improved device and materially increases its efficiency and utility.

Connected to the upper face of the base 10, within the area defined by the plate 52, is another plate 7e upturned at one end at 75 and provided with an open slot 76 in which the link 67 operates. rl`he plate 74 is also provided with an upturned lip 77 through which the shaft 50 extends. rEhe shaft 50 is supported at suitable intervals by brackets 7S connected to the brace memb r and to the base 10, as shown. Connected at one end to the supporting member Q7, is a link 79, the link engaging at the opposite end at SO around the lever 31 and with an intermediate offset 81 which bears against the adjacent face of the member 12, and thus maintains the lever 81 in uniform spaced relation to the frame member.

rllhe improved trough may` be located with the operative end extending through the fence which defines the barnyard so that the trough may be manipulated and the feed supplied without the necessity for the attendant entering the barnyard or other inclosure for the animals, the fence being represented conventionally at 82.

rlfhe improved device is simple in construction, can be strongly and inexpensively manufactured, and ofy any required size or capacity and employed for feeding stock of various species.

The improved trough may be located at any required point either in the barnyard pen, stock cars, or in connection with other suitable structures, but as the location of the structure with which the device is designed to be employed, is not a part of the present invention, it is not deemed necessary to illustrate the structure in connection with which it may be employed.

Having thus described my inventiomwhat 1 claim as new is 1. 1n a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting frame including end members spaced apart and provided with segmental slots, gear segments concentric to said slots, a trough mounted to swing and extending between said end members and including supporting members at the edges, one of which supporting members extends at its ends through said slots, pinions rotating upon the supporting member which extends through said slots and engaging said segments, links connected at the ends to said supporting members externally of said pinions, and means for actuating said trough to overturn the same.

2. ln a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting base, end members spaced apart upon said base, a trough mounted to swing between said end members, means for actuating said trough for overturning the same, a shaft having cranks at the ends and mounted for rotation through said end members,

bars mounted to swing and adapted to engage the free edge of said trough, connecting means between said bars and the cranks of said shaft, and means for oscillating said shaft to cause said bars to engage said trough and lock the same.

3. ln a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting base, end members spaced apart upon said base, a trough mounted to swing between said end members and with a supporting member at the free edge, ieans for actuating said trough for overturning the same, a shaft having cranks at the ends and mounted for rotation through said end members, bars mounted to swing and with hooks at their upper ends for engaging over the supporting member, connecting means between said bars and the cranks of said shaft, and means for oscillating said shaft to cause said bars to engage said trough.

4. ln a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting frame including end members spaced apart, a shaft mounted for rotation in said end members, a trough carried by said shaft, a supporting member at the free edge of said trough, a lever connected to said shaft, a bar connected to said lever and supporting member and provided with a lateral offset bearing against the adjacent end member and guiding lever.

5. In a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting base, end members spaced apart` upon said base, a brace member carried by said base and extending between said end members, a trough mounted to swing between said end members, means for actuating said trough for overturning the same, a shaft having cranks at the ends and mounted for rotation through said end members, bars mounted to swing and adapted to engage the free edge of said trough, connecting means between said bars and the cranks of said shaft, and means for oscillating said shaft to cause said bars to engage said trough and lock the same.

6. ln a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting base, end members spaced apart upon said base, a brace member carried by said base and extending between said end members, a trough mounted to swing between said end members and with a supporting member at the free edge, means for actuating said trough for overturning the same, a shaft having cranks at the ends and mounted for rotation through said end members, bars mounted to swing and with hooks at their upper ends for engaging over the supporting member, connecting means between said bars and the cranks of said shaft, and means for oscillating said shaft to cause said bars to engage said trough.

7. In a stock feeding apparatus, a supporting frame including end members spaced apart, a shaft mounted for rotation in said end members, a trough connected at one edge Y said shaft and supporting member, means to said shaft, 'a supporting member at the A In testimony whereof 'l atlix my signature free edgeA of said trough, links connecting in presence of two Witnesses.

for oscillating said shaft for overturning JAMES' MATTHEWS [L'S'] said trough, a bracket detaohably engaging Y Witnesses: Y one of said links, and a feed Chute detach- R. M. DOTT,

ably engaging said bracket. J. C. MEACHAM.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve centseach, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

